A major side effect of continental drift was

Options

A. Fossilization and evolutionary radiation
B. Climatic change and extinction of many species
C. Climatic change and micro evolution
D. Mass extinction due to reduction in the amount of atmospheric oxygen

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Continental Drift**:
- Continental drift is a theory proposed by Alfred Wegener, which suggests that the continents were once part of a single landmass (Pangaea) and have since drifted apart over millions of years.

2. **Identifying the Effects of Continental Drift**:
- The movement of tectonic plates can lead to significant geological changes, including the formation of mountains, ocean basins, and changes in climate.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1**: Fossilization and evolutionary radiation - While these processes are related to evolution, they are not direct side effects of continental drift.
- **Option 2**: Climatic change and extinction of many species - This option highlights the impact of continental drift on climate and biodiversity, making it a strong candidate.
- **Option 3**: Climatic change and micro-evolution - Micro-evolution refers to small evolutionary changes, which are not necessarily a direct side effect of continental drift.
- **Option 4**: Mass extinction due to reduction in the amount of atmospheric oxygen - This is not a widely accepted consequence of continental drift.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The most accurate answer is **Option 2: Climatic change and extinction of many species**. The movement of continents can lead to significant climatic shifts, which can result in the extinction of various species unable to adapt to the new conditions.